GE Aerospace has announced a major expansion of its operations in Dubai with a new On Wing Support facility at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. The project represents an investment of more than $50 million and will quadruple the company’s current footprint. According to GE, the move strengthens Dubai’s growing position as a global aviation centre ahead of the Dubai Airshow.
Facility Designed for Future Engine Demand
Farah Borges, Vice President for Assembly, Test and MRO, said the new facility will support rising demand for LEAP engine services. It will also prepare for the entry of the GE9X engine, which will power the next generation of Boeing 777X aircraft. Because these engines require advanced maintenance capabilities, the new site provides expanded space for repair work and new technology development.
Strengthening MRO Capabilities in Dubai
The Dubai South facility will include GE’s first dedicated MRO training centre in its On Wing Support network. The expansion helps scale operations for lighter quick-turn procedures, field service work, and lease pool support across GE, CFM International, and Engine Alliance engines. With over 35 percent of LEAP overhaul visits handled through GE’s global network, the new site aligns with long-term growth in global and regional engine maintenance.
Engines Powering Regional Aviation
CFM International’s LEAP engine powers leading narrowbody aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo family, the Boeing 737 MAX, and China’s COMAC C919. Because these aircraft dominate regional fleets, the UAE remains an important market for the LEAP platform. The GE9X engine, designed exclusively for the Boeing 777X, promises improved fuel efficiency and enhanced long-haul performance, making it relevant for carriers like Emirates.
Emirates and Regional Partnerships
Emirates, Dubai’s flagship carrier, uses GE engines for its Boeing 777 fleet and maintains major service agreements with the company. These partnerships support maintenance, operational efficiency, and long-term fleet planning. GE also provides services to other UAE carriers, helping sustain a strong aftermarket ecosystem across the Middle East.
Dubai South’s Strategic Importance
Tahnoon Saif, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, said the expansion reflects long-term confidence in the region’s aviation future. Construction of the new GE facility begins in December 2025 and is expected to finish in early 2027. The location in Dubai South, home to the future Al Maktoum International Airport, strengthens the emirate’s role as an integrated hub linking global trade and air transport.
Open Fan Technology Debuts in the Middle East
GE Aerospace has also showcased the CFM RISE programme’s Open Fan engine technology at the Dubai Airshow. The design aims to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel efficiency than current commercial engines. Because the technology focuses on reducing emissions and cutting airline operating costs, it is being positioned as a promising option for Middle Eastern carriers.
Engine Testing for Desert Conditions
The Open Fan technology has undergone more than 350 tests, including dust ingestion trials designed to mirror local desert environments. GE said engineers tested the engines with a mix of sand and particulate matter to demonstrate performance resilience. This approach helps carriers operating in sandy climates make informed technology decisions.
Building the Future of Flight
GE Aerospace said its investment in Dubai forms part of a broader global MRO expansion programme. The company aims to grow capacity, develop new technologies, and support airlines with more efficient maintenance solutions. As demand for next-generation engines increases, Dubai’s new facility positions the UAE as a long-term partner in the future of flight.
